Today I want to talk a little about what being a housewife
meant in the 50s and how it compares to today’s wife. These were taken from a 1950s Home Economics
Textbook in a section called “The Good Wife’s Guide”. For each of their guidelines I will share a
take on it in terms of being a wife today.
1950’s - Have dinner
ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal
ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have
been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry
when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite
dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
2015 - Now this one is not necessarily a crazy idea. Many people including myself plan out their
meals at least a day ahead I do mine a week at a time. Now it is not always
possible to have dinner ready when he gets home. I attempted that when we were
first married but it is just not reasonable when he was getting home before
five. But I do think having dinner at a constant time each night would be
something to aim for.
1950’s- Prepare
yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he
arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking.
He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little
more interesting. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to
provide it.
2015- Since many wives work as well and are not home before
their husbands this is not always possible. Also you shouldn’t have to look
amazing after a hard day anyway. But if you have the time take a second to
brush your hair and maybe apply some fresh lip gloss. Look the way that makes
you feel best, he will be glad to see you when he gets home anyway.
1950’s - Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before
your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, papers etc and then run a
dust cloth over the tables. Over the cooler months of the year you should
prepare and light a fire for him to relax and unwind by. Your husband will feel
he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.
After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal
satisfaction.
2015 – So this one
is a bit extreme, cleaning and dusting every day before he gets home. That’s
not needed, but having a house that is kept clean is good. Some people chose to
do it by cleaning a specific room each day and others do it all on one day. Trying
to keep a house spotless while working takes hard work and your time away from
your husband, having a clean house though makes me feel accomplished.
1950’s - Prepare
the children. Take a few minutes
to wash the children’s faces and hands (if they are small), comb their hair
and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would
like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate
all noise of the washer, dryer, and vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be
quiet.
2015 – First off I
don’t have children but I do work with them. Washing faces and hands, and all
the other things it mentioned before he gets home and then the chance they are still
being clean when he is home is very small. Plus if you’re supposed to get yourself
ready before he’s home as well there would just be no time while you’re cooking
dinner. See how these guide lines are just not reasonable. Maybe just trying to have them ready to see
him when he gets home and greet him would be a good start.
1950’s - Be
happy to see him. Greet him with a
warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him. Listen to him. You
may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is
not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are
more important than yours.
2015 – What you have
to say is just as important as what he has to say. A good thing to keep in mind
is to be interesting and also be interested in what he has to say. Do be happy
to see him though and ask how his day went.
1950’s - Make
the evening his. Never complain if
he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment
without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and
his very real need to be at home and relax.
2015 – Spending time
apart with your own friends is important. He should be informing you of his
plans so you know he won’t be waiting on him. But don’t freak out when he wants
to go out every once in a while
1950’s - Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place
of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body
and spirit.
2015 – So this is a bit
overkill but the underlying point is good. You want your home to be somewhere
you and your husband want to come home to.
1950’s - Make
him comfortable. Have him lean
back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or
warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.
Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
2015 – Don’t take
his shoes off, he can take care of that on his own. When he gets home though let him be comfortable
for a little bit and have him a nice cold drink ready is a sweet gesture.
1950’s - Don’t
ask him questions about his
actions or question his judgment or question his integrity. Remember, he is the
master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and
truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
2015 – While biblically
he is the leader of the household, he is not always right. Your opinions are
important as well and most decisions should be made together.
1950’s - A
good wife always knows her place.
2015 - As a wife your
place is next to your husband. Supporting him, listening to him, and being his
friend.
While some
guidelines are a bit overdone, many have applicable points in today’s time and
can apply to having a happy marriage.
I would love to hear
your thoughts, leave a comment below.
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